LG To Enable FM Radio On More Smartphones

There are quite a few Android devices out there that have an FM radio chip. However, the chip isn’t enabled by default. Some unlocked variants may have it enabled but it’s a rarity on carrier-locked devices that are sold in the United States. LG wants to change that so it has teamed up with NextRadio to enable the FM radio chip on more of its smartphones.

Some of LG’s recent devices that ship with an FM radio chip include the LG G5 and LG G6. LG has now inked an agreement with TagStation LLC, the owner of the NextRadio app, to enable the chip on more devices.

LG is going to enable the chip in its smartphones going forward. This will enable millions of people to easily access local FM radio stations across the United States and Canada. LG will do the same in Latin American countries. More countries will follow later.

The company has also said that subject to existing agreements with mobile carriers, it’s also going to preload the NextRadio app on some of its smartphones.

“This alliance will give millions of consumers the opportunity to receive real over-the-air FM radio through their phone,” said Paul Brenner, President of NextRadio.

The press release hasn’t clarified the names of the devices or carriers that will receive the FM radio functionality. Hopefully, LG will provide that information in the near future.